Japan were an English new wave band formed in 1974 in Catford, South London. Initially a glam rock-inspired band, Japan developed their sound and androgynous look to incorporate electronic music and foreign influences, eventually becoming an influence on the UK's early-1980s New Romantic scene, though the band themselves were not a part of it. Gentlemen Take Polaroids was the band's first album for the Virgin Records label, after leaving Hansa-Ariola who had released their first three albums. The album was preceded by the release of the title track as a single, which peaked at number 60 in the UK Singles Chart. The album was moderately successful, peaking at number 51.

Tin Drum is the fifth and final studio album by English band Japan, released in November 1981 by record label Virgin. It peaked at No. 12 on the UK charts, and featured the top 5 single "Ghosts". Tin Drum continued the band's now-established mix of electronic elements with traditional instrumentation, but leans far more towards Far Eastern and Orientialist influences than any of their previous albums. It has received acclaim as the band's best and most original work. On 6 September 2011, BBC Radio 6 Music awarded Tin Drum a 'Goldie' award for the best album of 1981.

Oil on Canvas is a live album by the English band Japan, released in June 1983 by Virgin Records. It was released six months after the band had broken up, and became their highest charting album in the UK, peaking at number 5. The live tracks on the double-album were taken from the band's performances at the Hammersmith Odeon in November 1982, during their final live concert tour. In 1988, it has been certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry for sales in excess of 100,000 copies.

Arve Henriksen is a classically trained musician whose ethereal, Japanese-influenced trumpet playing has literally placed him in a league of his own. He was born in Stranda, Norway, and educated at the Trondheim Conservatory. His interest in minimalist Japanese music went on to have a profound effect on his trumpet playing and his music career. Henriksen went on to collaborate with numerous musicians on avant-garde, minimalist, and Eastern-influenced music, working with artists such as Anders Jormin, Edward Vesala, and the Source, before striking out on his own with 2001's Sakuteiki. He is also the trumpter of the improvisational jazz terror group Supersilent.